When you or someone you love has cancer, you will do anything you can to fight it. One incredibly powerful yet overlooked way to do so is to look right in the produce section of the grocery store – for garlic!
This pungent herb is packed full of vitamins and minerals, but of all vegetables, it packs the most powerful punch against cancer. This 2009 study found garlic to be #1 at fighting childhood brain tumors, breast, brain, lung, pancreatic, prostate, and stomach cancers, and #2 for kidney cancer. Whether you’re taking chemotherapy or fighting cancer naturally, here’s three reasons why garlic is an important and impressive ally in the battle against this deadly disease.
3 Ways Garlic Battles Cancer
STOPS CANCER GROWTH
When we think of antioxidants, we usually think of berries and other fruit – and they are definitely packed with them! Antioxidants stop the oxidation process, during which free radicals are produced. Free radicals have been shown to play a role in the development and growth of cancer cells. But did you know that garlic also carries high levels of antioxidants? Don’t throw out that sprouted garlic – studies show that is when the antioxidants are the highest!
It’s not just antioxidants in garlic that stop cancer growth – research says there’s other compounds called disulfides that kill cancer cells. It has proven to be effective at stopping the progression of glioblastoma, the most lethal brain tumor, as well as breast cancer tumors and gastric (stomach) cancer tumors.
FIGHTS ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA
Certain bacteria and pathogens in the body contribute to the onset and proliferation of cancer cells. Great news – garlic to the rescue! Research shows that garlic is 100 times more effective than antibiotics when fighting bacteria. Although garlic is used to treat cystic fibrosis infections as well as antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections (UTI’s), this study found garlic to be effective against almost all viruses and bacteria.
Garlic also improves circulation by opening up arteries and reducing plaque in the arteries, as well as lowering cholesterol. This improvement of cardiovascular health helps the body beat back bacteria and improve overall health. Garlic also contains a high amount of sulphur, which is one of the best oxygen-carrying minerals. Sulphur will carry life-giving oxygen (not to be confused with the oxidation process – two completely different things!) to the afflicted area. Bacteria cannot survive with a good supply of oxygen – and hence, the area is quickly healed. Garlic was used in both World Wars as an antiseptic and for wound-healing.
LOWERS RISK OF CANCER
If you’re concerned about the risk of cancer, or have cancer that seems to run in your family, this pungent herb is for you. Studies show that the higher the garlic consumption, the lower the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Garlic contains compounds such as S-allylcysteine, diallyl sulfide and diallyl disulfide which are anti-carcinogenic to humans and animals, according to a 2019 study. Garlic is part of the allium family of vegetables (which include onions and leeks), which have been found as the most effective at fighting cancer.
The Key Is Eating It Raw
If you want garlic at its absolute best, that means raw and fresh. Garlic powder does not have the medicinal properties that fresh garlic has. Cooking garlic above 130 degrees Fahrenheit greatly diminishes its healing capabilities – and even one minute of microwaving can completely block its anti-cancer action. However, this study showed that more of garlic’s cancer-fighting compounds can be retained if the garlic is chopped or crushed and left to stand for 10 minutes before being heated. Allowing the garlic to stand for 10 minutes opens up cells in the garlic and allows a naturally-occurring enzyme to interact with other compounds and start a chemical process that produces allyl sulfur compounds, which are anti-cancerous. The study showed that rats given garlic that was not allowed to stand for ten minutes had about the same cancer risk for rats not given any garlic – and that the rats given garlic that was allowed to stand for ten minutes had the lowest risk of cancer.
Garlic can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by half – but only if eaten raw. In fact, research shows us that crushed garlic is more effective than chopped garlic. Garlic is easy to grow in your garden or get from the produce section – but stay away from the jars of minced garlic. The convenience is tempting, but studies show garlic is better fresh than canned or in jars.
What Else Can This Herb Heal?
Garlic is one of the best foods on the planet to improve your immune system. (Find out the others here.)
Heart disease, strep throat, vaginal strep, common cold, adrenal fatigue, migraines, sleep apnea, Lyme disease, infertility, respiratory infections, ear infections, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, skin diseases, stomach ulcers, leg ulcers, athlete’s foot, boils, abscess, epilepsy, worms, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, pimples, carbuncles, tumors, kidney diseases, poisonous bites and stings, indigestion, catarrh, pneumonia, earache, infantile convulsions, leprosy, psoriasis, smallpox, intestinal disorders (chronic colitis), respiratory affections and infection, dropsy, sounds, aging, insect repellant, fevers, nervous and spasmodic coughs, hoarseness, whooping cough, typhus, cholera, hypertension, headaches, backache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dysentery dyspepsia, heart palpitation, chills, loss of weight, restlessness, diphtheria, colds, colic, pleurisy, intercostal neuralgia, dyspnea, pharyngitis, cramps, heartburn, sore throat, rhinitis, (clogged and running nose), nicotine poisoning, lip and mouth diseases (ulcers, fissures, etc.), diabetes, ague, pulmonary phthisis, sciatica, hysteria, ringworm, scrofulous sores, rheumatism, inflamed eyes, eye catarrh, chapped and chafed hands, flatulence, paralysis, neuralgia pains, retention of urine (bladder weakness), heart weakness, eczema, pityriasis, cancers, swollen glands, tubercular joints and necrosis.
Garlic Remedies
Aside from adding raw garlic into your hummus, guacamole, salads, salad dressings, etc as an ongoing preventative measure, you can use these two garlic-based remedies to heal many different kinds of ailments, including infections, the flu, the common cold, and more – and especially as an addition into your cancer treatment regiment.
GARLIC FOOT WRAP
Using garlic in a particular way on the soles of the feet draws out toxins and bacteria quickly from the body. Also, the bottom of the feet has the most pores and will absorb the healing properties of the garlic.
This can be used to quickly overcome sickness or as a regular treatment during a cancer treatment regiment.
Needed materials:
- Raw fresh garlic (the amount will vary depending on how large and thick-skinned the soles of the feet are)
- High quality olive oil (if you don’t have high quality olive oil, you can substitute coconut oil, rosehip oil*, calendula oil* or any other high-quality oil in an emergency situation.)
- Organic gauze
- Organic cotton socks
Instructions:
- Crush the peeled garlic cloves into almost a paste.
- Thoroughly massage the feet and ankles all over with olive oil. Make sure to get between the toes. Where there is not oil, the garlic can irritate the skin from direct sustained contact.
- Spread the garlic paste onto just the soles of the feet. Wrap with the gauze, then cover with an organic cotton sock to keep the bandages in place.
- Let sit for 4-6 hours (for children 3-8 years old, let sit for 2-3 hours). Repeat nightly needed.
Note: It is best to do this treatment at night. Be sure to be laying down so that the garlic doesn’t get pushed to the sides and top of the feet.
*Use the coupon code amberbodilyhealth for a discount at checkout.
GARLIC WATER
The garlic wrap is an external application, but the garlic water is an internal remedy that will kill disease-causing bacteria rapidly. Use when feeling the onset of sickness, in the throes of sickness, or regularly to prevent sickness or disease.
Needed materials:
- 2-3 cloves raw fresh garlic
- 10 ounces of water
Instructions:
- Crush the cloves of garlic. Add them to the water.
- Let sit for 20 minutes to 2 hours.
- Drink. Repeat every hour if needed.
GARLIC SUPPLEMENTS
These supplements are amazing and can be used as remedies for various ailments. Work with a practitioner to find the correct dosage for you. It is safe to take the recommended dose on the bottle and adjust up or down from there by listening to your body.
- Super Garlic Immune: Useful for treating motion sickness and pregnancy nausea. It also strengthens the immune system, allowing the body to fight off the flu, earaches, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal illness, and particularly cancer. For common sickness symptoms – i.e. cough, fever, chest congestion, body aches, flu, etc – I recommend a tablespoon every hour until symptoms subside. When dealing with cancer and other intense illnesses over a long period of time, I recommend 6 tablespoons daily. Be sure to work with a practitioner to get your specific dose.
- Mullein Garlic Ear Drop Oil: Great for ear infections
Green Cilantro Salad Dressing/Dip
Need a yummy recipe to incorporate into your daily salad game? Here’s one of my absolute favorites – plus, it packs a powerful punch with other delicious, healing ingredients! I love how the steamed potato adds a dreamy creaminess without the fat! Toss it in your salad, drizzle it on roasted veggies, or use it as a dip for raw veggies.
Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ ” chunk of ginger
- ½ bunch cilantro
- ½ cup steamed potato
- ¼ cup raw organic honey
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend and enjoy!
The Power of Garlic, Unleashed
This simple, unassuming herb has a powerful presence in natural healing. Bringing in more garlic into your diet and “medicine cabinet” will have a powerful effect on your health and healing journey. This mighty cancer-fighter is your greatest ally in your battle against cancer. Cheers (your garlic water) to garlic!
Blessings,
Amber
P.S. If you want to learn more natural ways to supplement your traditional cancer treatment, or how to powerfully prevent cancer, check out my online course The Cancer Warrior: Building Resiliency the Natural Way.
Garlic Foot Wrap
Using garlic in a particular way on the soles of the feet draws out toxins and bacteria quickly from the body. Also, the bottom of the feet has the most pores and will absorb the healing properties of the garlic.
This can be used to quickly overcome sickness or as a regular treatment during a cancer treatment regiment.
Ingredients
- Raw fresh garlic the amount will vary depending on how large and thick-skinned the soles of the feet are
- High quality olive oil if you don’t have high quality olive oil, you can substitute coconut oil, rosehip oil, calendula oil or any other high-quality oil in an emergency situation.
- Organic gauze
- Organic cotton socks
Instructions
-
Crush the peeled garlic cloves into almost a paste.
-
Thoroughly massage the feet and ankles all over with olive oil. Make sure to get between the toes. Where there is not oil, the garlic can irritate the skin from direct sustained contact.
-
Spread the garlic paste onto just the soles of the feet. Wrap with the gauze, then cover with an organic cotton sock to keep the bandages in place.
-
Let sit for 4-6 hours (for children 3-8 years old, let sit for 2-3 hours). Repeat nightly needed.
Recipe Notes
*Note: It is best to do this treatment at night. Be sure to be laying down so that the garlic doesn’t get pushed to the sides and top of the feet.
GARLIC WATER
Ingredients
- 2-3 cloves raw fresh garlic
- 10 ounces of water
Instructions
-
Crush the cloves of garlic. Add them to the water.
-
Let sit for 20 minutes to 2 hours.
-
Drink. Repeat every hour if needed.
Green Cilantro Salad Dressing/Dip
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ inch chunk of ginger
- ½ bunch cilantro
- ½ cup steamed potato
- ¼ cup raw organic honey
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
-
Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
-
Blend and enjoy!